Model Laura Wells On Supporting Sustainable Seafood

Eminè Mehmet

Sustainability Editor

16/03/2016

Model and environmentalist Laura Wells calls for consumers to buy sustainable seafood to make a positive change for the oceans.

Laura is both an environmentalist and one of Australia’s top plus size models. Holding degrees in both Environmental Science and Law and qualifications in Environmental Management Systems and Carbon Management Planning, Laura’s passion for the environment, love for the ocean and interest in climate change has allowed her to become a positive role model, advocate and ambassador.

More recently, Laura exercised her environmental muscles at the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Sustainable Seafood Day, a national event initiated by the MSC to encourage Australians from all walks of life to celebrate and enjoy sustainable seafood.

MSC is an international charity that runs an eco-label program to certify sustainable wild-capture fisheries (not farmed) to help keep ocean’s healthy.

“Today is all about celebrating our love of the ocean, a healthy ocean, and the decisions we can make to keep them healthy” says Laura.

“MSC are an international leader of providing standards for sustainably wild caught fisheries. Trough the MSC blue eco-label, we can ensure we’re choosing the right seafood to put on our plate”.

One in 10 people on the planet rely on the seafood industry for their livelihoods and more than 70% of the seafood Australians consume is imported which is why a global standard is important.

Unsustainable fishing is threatening fish populations, ocean habitats, coastal fishing communities and economies. With the MSC label, it’s easy to choose sustainable seafood in supermarkets and fishmongers to make a positive change for the oceans, secure jobs and safeguard seafood supplies for this and future generations.

Laura stresses the power is in our hands to make the right decisions. “The MSC have given us the eco-label”, she says, “so we have the knowledge, it’s up to us to run with it. It’s really important for the health of our country, our environment, our everything.”

You can get involved and celebrate your love for the oceans with a Sustainable Seafood Day feast.

Register online at www.msc.org/forthesea to host your own Sustainable Seafood Day – and you’ll receive a free hosting pack including recipes, an MSC product finder, documentary film, infographic coasters and decorations for your sustainable seafood feast. Share your sustainable seafood pics with #forthesea for a chance to win a swag of prizes including a shark dive.